Is it Time to Call the Foot Doctor?

At Goldsmith Podiatry, one of the scenarios we hate to see is a patient who waited too long to call and come in for an appointment to evaluate a foot problem. Many times, we find that patients are unsure if their condition is serious enough to warrant a visit to our Upper West Side office. Our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia want to encourage you to contact us by calling: 212-877-1002 if you have foot or ankle symptoms you are unsure about. Below are some general guidelines about when it’s time to call the podiatrist.

Pain—pain is never normal. And, it doesn’t have to be excruciating or constant for you to contact us. Pain that is dull and aching, recurrent or that occurs when you do certain activities all need to be evaluated. Many podiatric disorders are progressive, meaning they will usually get worse if left untreated. Be prepared to tell the podiatrist the type of pain and exact location, as well as if you notice certain activities that trigger pain or make it worse.

Redness—red streaks around a wound or foot injury can be a sign of infection. Look for pus or other discharge. If you also have a fever, even a low-grade one, you should contact the foot doctor immediately.

Growths—lumps, bumps, and moles can all signal something deeper going on in your foot. A protrusion on the side of your toe or the back of your heel may signal a biomechanical deformity and the beginnings of a bunion or “pump bump.” A lump in the arch of your foot may be a plantar fibroma—a benign tumor that may still require treatment if it is causing pain and trouble walking. Also, keep an eye on existing moles or freckles. Report any changes in size, color or shape to the podiatrist as soon as possible.

Unusual changes—you should call the foot doctor if you notice bruising, swelling, changes in skin or toenails, shape or temperature of your feet or a burning/tingling sensation or feeling of numbness in your feet. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Get in the habit of inspecting your feet regularly and report anything suspicious to the foot doctor as soon as possible.